While the series is pretty dated, and occasionally politically incorrect, it is an exuberant romp. Robert Newton's performance has always struck me as the definitive interpretation of the role. The production values for 1950s TV were actually pretty good. The script writing is fairly good, and the stories weather well. Some episodes are truly excellent,for example "Execution Dock" which contains a great, extended, surreal dream sequence that has rarely been equaled. I recently obtained a copy of the DVD set for my children (8 and 6) to watch, and they are entranced. I found that interesting, since their only previous exposure to the "pirate" sub-genre had been the "Pirates of the Caribbean" franchise, but the lack of special effects, and Johnny Depp silliness didn't not seem to cause any problem.
